Advances in computer hardware have made it possible to visually render and explore geometric settings (virtual realities) in real (or near-real) time. Architectural acousticians, audio engineers, architects and physicists are presently looking for ways to expand these models to the sound domain, in order to hear as well as ``see'' the simulated results of their work. This talk will examine some of the products and techniques currently being used for acoustical modeling and auditory analysis. Although audio modeling has been increasingly viewed as a viable method for detecting early design flaws, its application may inadvertently introduce other undesirable artifacts, some of which will also be discussed.

The Research Center setting affords us the opportunity to tour the David Sarnoff museum adjacent to the auditorium, in which the lecture will be held. A Sarnoff employee will be available to point out highlights of the collection, which includes such items of interest to scientists and acousticians as: Toscanini's baton, Sarnoff's Morse Code key, treasures from around the world, letters and commendations from various US Presidents, and so on. This is a must-see event!

Rebecca Mercuri is well known to both the ACM/IEEE and DVASA Chapters for her many years of service on their boards of directors. Rebecca is a doctoral candidate at the Engineering School of the University of Pennsylvania. Her thesis will be on ``Directional Hearing for Semi-Autonomous Agents in a Simulated Environment.'' She is also the leader of a consulting firm, Notable Software, which works with health care practitioners in virtual arts therapies and with businesses in multimedia applications.

A pre-meeting dinner with the speaker will be held at 6 pm at the Rusty Scupper, 378 Alexander Road, Princeton. If you would like to attend, please call (609) 924-8704 and record your reservation on the answering machine.

All ACM / IEEE-CS meetings are open to the public. Students and their parents are welcome. There is no admission charge, and refreshments are served after the meeting.